Reid appointed chair of press awards judging panel

THE organisers of the Scottish Press Awards have appointed the former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament as its new judging panel chair.

Succeeding Charles Wilson, George Reid – a former journalist – has been handed the role by the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society.

Says SDNS: “Mr Reid is widely recognised as having made an outstanding contribution to the development of public life in post-devolution Scotland.

“He retired as Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and as MSP for Ochil in May. He previously had distinguished careers in print and television journalism, in the House of Commons and then in international aid and development work, principally with the International Red Cross.”

Adds Mr Reid: “My first job was on the old Daily Express 45 years ago. Since then, I have always tried to look at politics, wars and disasters through the eyes of a reporter. Scottish journalism was ferociously competitive then, as it is now. It will be a real challenge to chair the jury which decides who has produced the best pictures and stories.”

Charles Wilson has been judging panel chair for the past seven years. Said Bill Hutcheon, chair of the SDNS Editors’ Committee: “He is a thorough professional who brought great stature to the Scottish Press Awards.”